NY energy plan released; doesn't include fracking

A long-awaited update to New York's long-term state energy plan calls for expanding use of natural gas as fuel and less reliance on oil, but doesn't include expanding in-state gas production through hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale.

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Uticaod

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Posted Jan. 8, 2014 at 1:20 PM

Posted Jan. 8, 2014 at 1:20 PM

ALBANY

A long-awaited update to New York's long-term state energy plan calls for expanding use of natural gas as fuel and less reliance on oil, but doesn't include expanding in-state gas production through hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale.

The previous version touted the economic and energy policy benefits of tapping New York's shale gas resources through fracking. But the update released without fanfare on Tuesday relegates fracking to a technical footnote that says state officials are reviewing health and environmental safety concerns.

New York has had a moratorium on fracking since its environmental review of the practice was launched in 2008. The technology has allowed drillers in other states to produce vast amounts of natural gas from the Marcellus and other shale deposits, but has raised concerns about potential air and water contamination.